Europe gives 269 million euro for Albania’s reforms over the next three years

TIRANA, Aug 2 – The European Commission adopted the strategic direction of EU financial assistance for Albania focusing on reforms in its administration.
The Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) for the years 2009-2011 confirms the priorities of financial assistance to Albania in three main areas: political reform and building up of democratic institutions; economic reform, and; the ability to assume the obligations of membership. A special component of the strategy [document] deals with cross-border cooperation.
Financial assistance is provided under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) in specific areas of intervention and aims to support Albania in preparing the country for future EU accession.
For the period 2009-2011, the overall indicative amount of EU financial assistance to Albania – in the form of grants from the EU budget – is EUR 269.4 million.
The main share of the budget is targeted towards supporting activities under “IPA Component I”, which is for Transition Assistance and Institution Building (EUR 237.9 million). A smaller share will be allocated to “IPA Component II”, which is for Cross-Border Cooperation activities (EUR 31.5 million).
Specifically, under the political requirements, the main areas of intervention will cover public administration reform and strengthening the capacity of key institutions with the aim of developing good governance.
Another priority for IPA is to support judicial and police reform, support measures to help fight corruption and strengthen the political system.
IPA funds are also foreseen for the development of the media, promote the social and economic inclusion of minorities and vulnerable groups and promote dialogue with civil society.
Under the socio-economic requirements, IPA will assist the Albanian authorities in improving public finances, implementing structural reforms and developing the functioning of the labor market through more flexibility and better links with the education system.
IPA intends to help improve access to essential services and economic markets as well as to protect cultural heritage.
The sub-component, which deals with membership obligations, aims to help Albania reach EU standards in the areas of internal market, justice, freedom and security. Particular attention will be devoted to the areas of agriculture and rural development, regional development, environment, consumer protection, transport and energy.
IPA support for Cross-Border Co-operation (CBC) will address cross-border activities between Albania and EU Member States as well as with adjacent candidate countries and potential candidates. CBC combines cohesion and external relation objectives and supports activities such as: (1) development of economic, social and environmental activities of border areas; (2) addressing common challenges in particular in the field of environment, public health and development, and; (3) promoting “people to people” type actions, including among NGOs and local authorities.